As artificial intelligence becomes a strategic capability for nations as well as companies, questions of governance, safety, and geopolitical competition are moving to the forefront. In this episode of TechSurge, host Sriram Viswanathan speaks with Helen Toner, Interim Executive Director of the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) at Georgetown and a former OpenAI board member, about the rise of sovereign AI stacks and the global implications of increasingly powerful AI systems.

Helen brings a rare vantage point from both inside the frontier AI ecosystem and the policy world. She reflects on lessons from her time on the OpenAI board, including the governance challenges that arise when nonprofit missions intersect with enormous commercial incentives and rapid technological progress. As AI capabilities accelerate, she argues that the industry is still grappling with deep uncertainty about how these systems work, how they will evolve, and what responsibilities companies and governments should carry.

The conversation explores the idea of sovereign AI; the growing push by countries to control key layers of the AI stack, including compute infrastructure, models, and data. Helen explains why governments increasingly view AI as a strategic national resource, comparable to past transformative technologies like electricity or the internet. At the same time, she cautions that full technological independence may be unrealistic for most nations, given the complexity and global interdependence of the AI supply chain.

Sriram and Helen also examine the evolving US?China AI competition, the role of export controls and semiconductor supply chains, and how different countries, from China to emerging AI hubs in the Middle East, are positioning themselves in the race to build advanced AI capabilities. Along the way, they discuss whether the industry should slow down development, how companies are experimenting with ?safety frameworks? for frontier models, and why installing guardrails may be more realistic than attempting to halt progress altogether.

Ultimately, Helen argues that society is entering a period of profound uncertainty. AI is transitioning from a research discipline into a foundational system that will shape economies, security, and daily life. Navigating that transition will require not just technical breakthroughs, but new approaches to governance, transparency, and global cooperation.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits and future Season 2 episodes.
--

Episode Links

Connect with Helen: linkedin.com/in/helen-toner-4162439a

Learn more about CSET: https://cset.georgetown.edu/
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Timestamps

03:00 Lessons from the OpenAI Board: Governance in the Age of Frontier AI

05:00 The Big Unknowns in AI Development: Why Experts Still Disagree

12:05 Public Trust and the Risk of an AI Backlash

14:20 When AI Became Infrastructure: From Research Field to Societal System

16:00 Is AGI a Meaningless Term Now? Rethinking the Goalposts
19:05 AI?s True Scale: Internet-Level Impact or Something Bigger?
23:15 Why Frontier AI Labs Struggle to Slow Down

24:40 What ?Sovereign AI? Actually Means for Nations

28:10 Mapping the AI Stack: Chips, Cloud, Models, and Applications
33:38 The US?China AI Competition: Who?s Ahead and Why
39:44 China?s Progress in AI: Compute Constraints and Fast Followers
44:03 US AI Policy: Export Controls, Regulation, and Federal Preemption
48:40 Frontier AI Safety Frameworks: How Labs Define Dangerous Capabilities
51:36 The Future of AI: Utopia, Industrialization, or Something Worse?
56:04 Rapid Fire: AI Misconceptions, Governance Reforms, and Regions to Watch

As generative AI systems move from novelty to infrastructure, questions of safety, trust, and governance are becoming urgent. In this episode of TechSurge, host Sriram Viswanathan is joined by Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, CEO of Humane Intelligence PBC and responsible AI Pioneer, about what AI safety really means and why the industry may be focusing on the wrong problems.

Rumman argues that the most overlooked lever in AI development is evaluation. While companies emphasize model training and capabilities, far less attention is paid to how systems are assessed in real-world contexts, who defines ?good,? what risks are measured, and how societal impacts are accounted for at scale. She distinguishes between technical assurance and broader sociotechnical risk, from misinformation and bias to over-reliance and erosion of institutional trust.

Drawing on her experience at Twitter (X) and in global policy circles, Rumman highlights a fundamental governance gap: unlike finance, aviation, or healthcare, AI lacks a mature, independent ecosystem of auditors and evaluators. Today, the same companies building AI systems often define what counts as harm. She also challenges the belief that stronger guardrails alone will solve the problem, noting that cultural context, language differences, and human behavior complicate any notion of ?neutral? or fully objective AI.

Rather than focusing solely on speculative existential threats, Rumman urges attention to the harms already visible from AI-enabled misinformation to mental health risks and shifts in how younger generations relate to knowledge and authority. The future of AI, she suggests, will be determined not just by technological breakthroughs, but by whether we build credible systems of accountability, evaluation, and global cooperation around them.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits and future Season 2 episodes.

Episode Links

Connect with Rumman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rummanLearn more about Humane Intelligence: https://humane-intelligence.org/

Timestamps

02:50 Why AI Evaluations Matter: Defining ?Good? Models in Context04:25 What Is AI Safety? From Product Performance to Societal Harm11:30 Regulation Reality Check: EU AI Act, Conformance Assessments & Checklists15:25 Building the AI Evaluation Profession: Audits, Red Teaming & Legal Protections23:00 When It?s OK to Outsource Judgment and When It?s Dangerous39:38Who?s Responsible When AI Outcomes Go Wrong? 52:37 Design vs Governance: Complex Systems, System-Level Evaluation, and Regulating Horizontally44:11 AI Psychosis, Youth Harm, and What?s Already Here47:27 What Keeps Rumman Up at Night: Kids, Algorithms, and Hope from Global Governance54:00 Bringing Sci-Fi to the Real World? 

As global supply chains fracture, AI reshapes productivity, and technology becomes a core instrument of national power, India is making an ambitious push to redefine its role in the world economy from IT services provider to deep tech superpower.

In the season 2 premiere of  TechSurge, host Sriram Viswanathan brings together three defining perspectives to examine how India is positioned to become a global leader in frontier technologies, and what must go right for that vision to succeed.

The episode begins with S. Krishnan, Secretary at India?s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, who outlines how India is treating deep tech as national infrastructure. From the India Semiconductor Mission and AI compute investments to the new RDI (Research, Development & Innovation) framework, Krishnan explains how long-horizon industrial policy is being used to derisk private capital, strengthen domestic design and manufacturing, and accelerate commercialization.

Next, former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant places India?s technology ambitions in a global context. As post-WWII institutions weaken and supply chains are redrawn, Amitabh argues that India?s decade of structural reforms, digital public infrastructure, and global partnerships has created a historic opening, if India can sustain free enterprise, execution discipline, and state-level reform.

Finally, T.K. Kurien, CEO and Managing Partner of Premji Inves, brings the investor and operator lens. Kurien explores why India has excelled at services and business-model innovation but lagged in core technology creation and what it will take to build globally dominant deep tech companies. From patient capital and university-led innovation to focused national bets in AI applications, biotech, and semiconductors, he outlines the path from ambition to execution.

Across policy, geopolitics, and capital, one message is clear: India?s deep tech future will not be decided by vision alone but by alignment between government direction, private risk-taking, and long-term discipline.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.
Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits and future Season 2 episodes.

Episode Links

India Semiconductor Mission (MeitY): https://www.meity.gov.in/India AI Mission & AI Kosh: https://indiaai.gov.in/National Research Foundation & RDI Scheme: https://anrf.gov.in/Premji Invest: https://www.premjiinvest.com/

Timestamps

00:00 India?s Deep Tech Inflection Point02:05 Industrial Policy as National Infrastructure06:52 Why Government Must Catalyze Product Innovation Beyond IT Services09:13 Building the Ecosystem: Talent, Research, Diaspora Return & Startup Scale13:10 India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): What?s Different This Time24:56 ISM 2.0 Plans: Fixing Design Incentives & Unlocking Risk Capital27:15 IndiaAI Mission Explained: Compute, Data (AI Kosh) & Model Development33:09 Global Order Shifts: Supply Chains, Tech Power & Introducing Amitabh Kant41:19 Alliances That Matter: China, Europe/Japan Partnerships & Why the US Is Key54:11 How Government Can Take Risk: Fund-of-Funds, R&D Incentives, and Grand Challenges57:07 Dismantle Red Tape, Build World-Class Infrastructure, 01:00:57 Why Premji Invest Focused on Growth Stage (and What Changed for Early Stage)01:03:16 India vs US Investing: Where Returns Come From and Avoiding Valuation Hype01:05:28 Building India?s Startup Ecosystem: Capital, Patience, and Core Tech vs Business Models01:13:41 Three Sectors to Bet On: AI Software/Agents, Biotech Breakthroughs, and Pragmatic Semiconductors

TechSurge returns for an all-new season exploring the forces reshaping the future of deep tech, where breakthrough innovation meets real-world market dynamics. In season 2, we dive deeper into the intersection of emerging technology, market forces, and entrepreneurial discovery, featuring candid conversations with Silicon Valley leaders, visionary founders, investors, and bold builders shaping the future of deep tech. From AI and advanced computing to energy, biotech, and beyond, we explore what it really takes to turn breakthrough ideas into scalable companies. New episodes release every two weeks. Subscribe now! 

In TechSurge?s Season 1 Finale episode, we explore an important debate: should AI development be open source or closed? 

AI technology leader and UN Senior Fellow Senthil Kumar joins Michael Marks for a deep dive into one of the most consequential debates in artificial intelligence, exploring the fundamental tensions between democratizing AI access and maintaining safety controls.

Sparked by DeepSeek's recent model release that delivered GPT-4 class performance at a fraction of the cost and compute, the discussion spans the economics of AI development, trust and transparency concerns, regulatory approaches across different countries, and the unique opportunities AI presents for developing nations.

From Meta's shift from closed to open and OpenAI's evolution from open to closed, to practical examples of guardrails and the geopolitical implications of AI governance, this episode provides essential insights into how the future of artificial intelligence will be shaped not just by technological breakthroughs, but by the choices we make as a global community.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits and news about Season 2 of the TechSurge podcast. Thanks for listening! 

Links:

Slate.ai - AI-powered construction technology: https://slate.ai/

World Economic Forum on open-source AI: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/02/open-source-ai-innovation-deepseek/

EU AI Act overview: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/european-approach-artificial-intelligence

(00:00) - The Debate on AI Development: Open vs Closed (05:51) - Understanding Open Source vs Closed Source AI (11:55) - The Economics of AI Models (17:47) - Trust and Transparency in AI (23:43) - The Future of AI Governance and Global Impact

Legendary technologist and investor Bill Tai joins our latest episode for a wide-ranging conversation spanning decades of Silicon Valley innovation. Bill shares his remarkable journey from being employee #1 at TSMC to becoming one of the first seed investors in Zoom and Canva, and his early embrace of Bitcoin when it was priced at just 7 cents.

The conversation explores Bill's unique investment philosophy shaped by mentorship from Don Valentine of Sequoia Capital, his innovative approach to building entrepreneurial communities through kiteboarding, and his insights into the intersection of AI, energy infrastructure, and cryptocurrency. Bill discusses the massive energy crisis facing AI data centers, drawing parallels to the telecom infrastructure buildout of the 1980s.

From his early days as a kid reverse-engineering electronics to his current role as Chairman of Hut Eight Mining and his partnership with the Trump organization on American Bitcoin Corp, Bill provides invaluable insights into recognizing structural market changes and backing the right entrepreneurs and emerging technologies at the right time.

Links
Learn more about Bill?s blockchain companies Hut Eight Mining and BITFURY - Hut 8 Corp, BITFURY

Bill?s original tweet from 2010 about the potential of bitcoin: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb7QQ8GHN12/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D 

Read Bill?s founding stories on Zoom and Canva: https://medium.com/@billtai/30b-stress-test-on-necker-island-814553c7f520

Bill?s early memo detailing his conviction about Zoom?s technology: https://www.instagram.com/p/BwcaZjFpNrs/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== 

Article: Design start-up Canva raises $3 million after kitesurfing in Hawaii: https://www.smartcompany.com.au/startupsmart/design-start-up-canva-raises-3-million-after-kitesurfing-in-hawaii 

Canva now tops the list of most popular AI tools: https://explodingtopics.com/blog/most-popular-ai-tools 

Learn about TSMC's history - Taiwan Semiconductor

Read the article that changed Bill?s life - Secrets of the Little Blue Box

More fun items mentioned during the discussion

2600 Hacker Quarterly: https://www.2600.com/

The Cap?N Crunch whistle used by early hackers: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/capn-crunch-whistle

The Radio Shack 100-in-one electronics kit: https://www.rcgrabbag.com/radio-shack-100-in-1-electronic-project-kit/

(00:00) - The AI Data Center Dilemma (00:46) - Introduction to Tech Surge Deep Tech Podcast (01:23) - Spotlight on Bill Tai: A Legendary Technologist and Investor (03:41) - Bill Tai's Daily Routine and Passion for Kiteboarding (06:06) - The Birth of Ma Tai Global: A Community of Innovators (11:44) - The Journey of Zoom: From Concept to Success (20:07) - The Rise of Canva: From Fusion Books to a Global Powerhouse (26:12) - Blockchain and Crypto: The Future of Decentralized Finance (32:13) - Bitcoin Mining Industry Insights (33:08) - The Evolution of Hut 8 (34:30) - Energy Challenges and AI Infrastructure (35:55) - The Future of Energy and AI (36:45) - Telecommunications and AI Parallels (40:25) - The Role of Bitcoin in Modern Economy (43:53) - Hut 8's Strategic Moves (47:48) - Reflections on a Career in Tech (57:19) - Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

Will AI displace more jobs than it creates? How can the U.S. win the AI race? How can AI benefits be evenly distributed across businesses and society?

We explore these questions and more as Sriram Viswanathan sits down with Ronnie Chatterji, Chief Economist at OpenAI, for an in-depth exploration of AI's economic impact and policy implications. Ronnie brings a unique perspective, having served as an economic advisor in both the Obama and Biden administrations as a senior economist, supply chain advisor, and architect of the CHIPS Act.

The conversation dives into the economic opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, from productivity gains and job market transformation to the critical need for workforce retraining and AI upskilling in schools. Ronnie also delves into America's competitive position in the global AI race, the critical need for infrastructure investment in order to continue scaling this emerging technology, and the lessons learned from implementing major industrial policy like the CHIPS Act.

Links:

Learn more about OpenAI's economic research and policy work - OpenAI

Read OpenAI's Economic Blueprint for the US - OpenAI?s Economic Blueprint

Explore the CHIPS and Science Act - CHIPS.gov

Ronnie Chatterji's academic work at Duke University - Duke Fuqua School of Business

(00:00) - The Expanding Role of AI in Human Agency (02:36) - Economic Implications of AI and Job Market Dynamics (08:43) - Opportunities and Challenges in Labor with AI (13:49) - Preparing Future Generations for an AI-Driven World (19:15) - Ensuring Equitable Access to AI Technology (23:07) - Infrastructure Development for AI Growth (25:25) - Geopolitical Considerations in AI Development (28:05) - Global Collaboration in AI Development (31:07) - The EU's AI Regulatory Framework (35:04) - The Chips Act: Vision and Implementation (39:02) - AI Investment Landscape (42:04) - Global Perspectives on AI: Insights from India and China (45:36) - Misconceptions and Future of AI Education

In this episode of TechSurge, host Sriram Viswanathan sits down with Nishant Batra, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Nokia, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of telecom and wireless technology. Nishant shares insights into the seismic shifts transforming network infrastructure?from core networks to edge computing?and discusses how Nokia leverages artificial intelligence to optimize performance and drive innovation. 

The conversation also highlights Nokia's unique innovation framework, spanning its corporate venture investments, internal incubator, and expansion of the legendary Bell Labs. Today Nokia leverages Bell Labs? groundbreaking research into emerging technology for internal innovation and new venture spinouts in collaboration with venture capital firms, including recently announced inaugural spinout startup, Astranu.

Links:

Discover the groundbreaking Nokia-Celesta spinout advancing healthcare imaging technology - Astranu 

Learn about the legendary innovation powerhouse - Nokia Bell Labs

(00:00) - The Genesis of Nokia and Bell Labs (01:02) - Introduction to Tech Surge Deep Tech Podcast (02:43) - Nokia's Storied History and Evolution (03:48) - Nokia's Technological Innovations and Market Presence (09:12) - The Impact of the iPhone and Mobile Data Tsunami (14:52) - Understanding Open RAN, Cloud RAN, and AI RAN (21:28) - Fragmentation and Integration in Telecom Networks (25:09) - Market Share Analysis of Telecom Giants (25:46) - Nokia Bell Labs: A Legacy of Innovation (27:56) - Bell Labs' Global Impact and Future Plans (30:33) - Commercializing Bell Labs Innovations (37:03) - Nokia's Venture and Incubation Strategies (44:44) - Exciting Technologies and Leadership Insights (47:11) - Conclusion

Competition, growth, tariffs, hacks, AI ? what does it take to be an effective leader today? John Chambers, former CEO and Executive Chairman of Cisco and founder of JC2 Ventures, joins TechSurge host Sriram Viswanathan to share valuable wisdom on leading and growing businesses through times of significant change. As a leader who has transitioned from the c-suite to venture capital and now mentoring founders in emerging technology sectors, John has seen it all. 

He shares lessons from his time leading one of the world?s most influential networking companies at Cisco (the most valuable company in the world at the time), revealing what he learned while growing it from a challenger networking company into a $50 billion tech powerhouse, sharing how Cisco achieved and maintained its market leadership, particularly his bold M&A strategies. 

John offers hard?won insights on navigating major technology shifts in AI, cloud, security, and more. Today?s founders and executives will find practical frameworks, real?world war stories, and counterintuitive advice to help survive and thrive in an era of continual disruption. 

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits.

Links:

Explore John Chambers' family office and venture firm at JC2 Ventures

Read John Chambers' book ?Connecting the Dots? on Amazon

Discover the organization John chaired for eight years US-India Strategic Partnership Forum

Learn about the company John and Sriram have invested in together at ParkourSC

Find out about the deep fake detection company Pin Drop

Learn about the cybersecurity company Rubrik

(00:00) - Navigating the AI Revolution (03:03) - The Genesis of JC2 Ventures (05:45) - Investment Philosophy and Market Transitions (09:08) - The Role of Customer Feedback in Innovation (11:54) - Building Companies for IPO vs. Acquisition (15:04) - The Importance of Management and Culture (17:51) - AI's Impact on Business and Society (20:54) - Global Economic Trends and Strategic Partnerships (24:08) - Cybersecurity in the Age of AI (27:00) - The Future of AI and Global Cooperation (30:10) - Challenges and Opportunities in the Tech Landscape (32:45) - Key Traits of Successful Tech Leaders

MIT President Emeritus Dr. Rafael Reif joins host Michael Marks for a discussion about the state of U.S. competitiveness in technology, university research funding, current immigration policy, and more. Reif explains why universities remain the innovation engines of economies, educating top talent and generating the foundational research that powers emerging tech and creates new industries. He candidly assesses U.S.-China competition, warns that Chinese research output is rapidly outpacing our own, and urges renewed federal investment.

The discussion explores how restrictive immigration policies threaten the flow of global talent into the U.S and his own impression of current policies as an immigrant from Venezuela himself. As a TSMC board member, Reif also touches on the strategic need for domestic semiconductor fabs, Intel?s path forward, and TSMC?s edge in advancing cutting-edge nodes. Lastly, he addresses gaps in the venture capital funding space and why he created MIT?s The Engine incubator model to fund ?tough tech? startups, which helped launch breakthroughs like Commonwealth Fusion Systems.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits.

Connect with Rafael Reif on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-rafael-rief-b8977b231

Dive deeper into Reif?s career, publications, and awards. Read his full biography https://reif.mit.edu/biography 

Read Rafael's recent op-ed about government R&D funding: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/17/opinion/science-technology-research-development/

Read Rafael's speech about the role of universities in building a strong U.S. economy: https://reif.mit.edu/speeches-writing/strong-universities-make-strong-united-states

Explore how MIT?s Engine incubator is fueling ?tough tech? startups like fusion power. Learn about The Engine https://engine.xyz/

Watch Commonwealth Fusion Systems? plan to deliver commercial fusion energy. Discover CFS https://cfs.energy/

Understand the roadmap to a 400 MW fusion pilot plant. Read the MIT News report https://news.mit.edu/2024/commonwealth-fusion-systems-unveils-worlds-first-fusion-power-plant-1217

Bobby Yerramilli-Rao, Chief Strategy Officer at Microsoft, joins TechSurge host Sriram Viswanathan to offer a rare glimpse into the strategic playbook of one of the world?s most powerful tech companies. Bobby shares how the company navigates today?s biggest technology paradigm shifts, placing bets with trillion-dollar implications. Touching on Microsoft?s AI strategy, OpenAI partnership, quantum computing, its approach to acquisitions, and much more, this candid and wide-ranging conversation is not to be missed. 

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits.

(00:00) - The Nature of Technology and AI's Economic Impact (03:01) - Strategic Priorities at Microsoft (05:45) - Strategic Inflection Points and Microsoft's History (09:03) - The Importance of Timing in Strategic Decisions (11:48) - Gaming and Content Strategy (14:57) - Acquisition Successes and Failures (17:50) - Leveraging LinkedIn and GitHub (20:50) - AI's Potential Economic Impact (23:52) - Monetizing AI Innovations in Microsoft Office (25:59) - Investing in AI: The New CAPEX Landscape (31:01) - Quantum Computing: Hype vs. Reality (37:44) - The Future of AI and Quantum Integration (39:18) - The Semiconductor Landscape: Lessons from the Past (43:30) - Genomics and Life Sciences: Opportunities Ahead (45:50) - Autonomous Driving: The Future of Mobility

In this episode of TechSurge, host Sriram Viswanathan sits down with Charlie Giancarlo, Chairman and CEO of Pure Storage, to discuss the evolution and future of data storage in the digital age. Charlie shares insights from his career spanning his pivotal role in Cisco's success as a networking pioneer, to his leadership in transforming Pure Storage into a leader in innovative storage solutions.

They explore the evolution of data center infrastructure, and the critical role of storage architecture in enabling AI and cloud technologies. Charlie also explains how Pure Storage's software-driven approach is creating new efficiencies and opportunities for enterprises, offering a compelling vision for a unified "data cloud" that breaks down data silos and unlocks new insights.

This episode delves into the intersections of networking, compute, storage, and AI, providing an essential perspective for anyone interested in the future of technology infrastructure.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits.

Links:

Pure Storage Official Website: Explore Pure Storage's innovative data storage solutions. Pure Storage Data
Charlie Giancarlo's Biography: Learn more about Charlie Giancarlo, Chairman and CEO of Pure Storage. ?Charlie Giancarlo
Portworx by Pure Storage: Discover Portworx, the Kubernetes data services platform acquired by Pure Storage. ?Wikipedia Portworx ASBIS ? IT Distributor

FlashBlade//EXA Announcement: Read about Pure Storage's FlashBlade//EXA, designed for high-performance computing and AI workloads. FlashBlade//EXA: The Future of AI and HPC Storage Performance

Many in venture capital and biopharma are anointing artificial intelligence the savior of drug discovery?but what can AI actually do?

In this eye-opening episode, Michael Marks sits down with Mike Nohaile, CEO of Prellis Biologics, to explore the hype versus reality in AI-enabled drug discovery. Mike details why, despite significant breakthroughs like AlphaFold and recent Nobel Prize win for computational protein design, fully AI-generated medicines still present challenges. He also discusses why we urgently need more effective medicines and details Prellis? unique system which combines laser printed human organoids and an externalized human immune system with AI, enabling the discovery of fully human antibodies. 

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits.

Links:

Explore Prellis Biologics

https://prellisbio.com/

Understand AlphaFold, DeepMind?s AI model for predicting protein structures

https://deepmind.google/alphafold

Read about the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry 

https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2024/press-release/ 

(00:00) - The Reality of AI in Drug Discovery (03:05) - The Need for Better Medicines (06:05) - Evolution of Pharmaceutical Therapies (08:55) - Challenges in Protein Drug Discovery (12:13) - AI's Role in Protein Design (14:46) - Limitations of AI in Drug Development (17:58) - Understanding Protein Structures (20:54) - The Future of AI in Medicine (22:36) - The Challenges of Drug Development (29:44) - Innovations in Antibody Production (35:01) - Advancements in Obesity Treatments (39:54) - The Future of Drug Discovery

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace?what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? 

Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI.

Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today?s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying mathematical concepts that power modern machine learning, to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives?even if your last math class was in high school. 

Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI?s pioneers about the road to AGI?should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI?s philosophical implications?could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency?

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits.

Links:

Read Why Machines Learn, Anil?s latest book on the math behind AI
https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749

Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy?s work and writing

https://anilananthaswamy.com/

Watch Anil Ananthaswamy?s TED Talk on AI and intelligence

https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy

Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil?s AI research

https://ksj.mit.edu/

Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron

Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance

https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0

(00:00) - The Future of AI: Agency and Exponential Growth (01:03) - Introduction to Machine Learning and AI Concepts (04:50) - The Journey of Writing 'Why Machines Learn' (10:07) - Understanding the Perceptron and Its Significance (13:40) - The Evolution of Neural Networks and AI Winters (19:35) - Backpropagation: The Game Changer in Neural Networks (29:51) - Convolutional Neural Networks: Advancements in Image Recognition (35:20) - The Impact of Large Datasets on Machine Learning (38:12) - Understanding Perceptrons and SVMs (41:39) - The Impact of ImageNet on Machine Learning (44:44) - The Evolution of GPUs in AI (48:09) - Transformers: A New Era in Neural Networks (54:21) - The Exponential Growth of AI Models (01:01:21) - Diverging Views on AGI: Hinton vs. LeCun (01:05:08) - The Common Thread in Anil's Work (01:09:40) - Future Disruptions in AI and Machine Learning

With global economic alliances shifting and new threats emerging, will the U.S. maintain its dominance in an increasingly complex world? 

From chips to cyberterrorist threats to cryptocurrency, battles for global dominance are no longer only fought on the battlefield?they're playing out in markets, boardrooms, and cyberspace. In this episode, we sit down with Juan Zarate, a key member of the post-9/11 Bush Administration team who architected how we combat terrorist financing and think about modern financial warfare.

We explore how the U.S. has used its economic dominance as a powerful weapon?and whether countries like China and Russia are now using the same playbook to push back. Juan shares insights on the weaponization of the dollar, how financial crime networks are evolving in the digital age, and why strategies around cryptocurrency could either threaten or reinforce U.S. economic power.

The conversation dives into the intersection of technology, economic, and national security strategy, tackling key issues like cyber threats, semiconductor supply chains, and the growing role of AI in financial security. Juan also introduces his latest venture, Consilient, which is pioneering federated AI to revolutionize the fight against financial crime.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and information about upcoming TechSurge Live Summits.

Links:

Check out our video episodes on YouTube

Follow Celesta Capital on LinkedIn and X

Discover how K2 Integrity is shaping the future of financial crime prevention and cybersecurity

https://www.k2integrity.com

Read Juan Zarate?s Treasury?s War to explore the rise of financial warfare in global security
https://www.amazon.com/Treasurys-War-Unleashing-Financial-Warfare/dp/1610391152

Explore Consilient?s groundbreaking approach to financial crime detection using federated AI

https://www.consilient.com

Learn how Coinbase is driving the future of cryptocurrency and digital finance

https://www.coinbase.com

The world is evolving faster than ever ? how will we keep up?

From AI breakthroughs to global supply chain disruptions, the forces shaping business and technology today are relentless. In this episode of the TechSurge Deep Tech VC Podcast, we sit down with Bob Sternfels, Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company, the global consulting firm who has been on the frontlines of helping businesses and industries navigate relentless change for the past 100 years.

We explore the shifting landscape of venture capital and opportunities for VCs, startups, and consultancies to explore new partnership models. Bob shares his view on shifting global supply chain strategies, why full economic decoupling between the U.S. and China is a dangerous and difficult proposition, and how India may be on track to become the economic powerhouse of the twenty-first century. The discussion digs into the complexities of housing affordability and why the future of housing insurance is at risk ? could our homes of the future soon be uninsurable due to climate change?

Bob helps us dive into the evolving demands of 21st-century leadership, where resilience, adaptability, and even humor are becoming essential CEO traits. Bob explains why today?s leaders must rethink their approach to disruption, risk, and innovation ? or risk being left behind.

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and information about upcoming TechSurge Live Summits.

Links:

Check out our video episodes on YouTube

Follow Celesta Capital on LinkedIn and X

Learn more about Bob Sternfels? leadership at McKinsey & Company

https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/bob-sternfels

Explore McKinsey?s insights on AI and economic disruption

https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/the-economic-potential-of-generative-ai-the-next-productivity-frontier

Learn how climate change is affecting insurance markets

https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/risk-and-resilience/our-insights/navigating-shifting-risks-in-the-insurance-industry

Learn about India?s digital transformation through UPI and Aadhaar

https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/upi/product-overview

https://uidai.gov.in/

(00:00) - Introduction to Bob Sternfeld and McKinsey's Vision (06:49) - The Transformative Power of AI in Business (12:52) - Navigating the Complexities of Cloud and On-Prem Solutions (18:03) - Geopolitical Impacts on Global Supply Chains (23:18) - India's Economic Potential and Future Growth (24:13) - India's Rapid Digitization and Economic Transformation (28:20) - The Housing Crisis: Understanding Affordability and Community (38:13) - 21st Century Leadership: Evolving Traits and Challenges

The future of wireless technology is unfolding, are you ready for what's next?

How can Intel regain market dominance? How will AI and IOT shape the next generation of wireless? What are the challenges in transitioning to 5G, NextG, and beyond? How will academia and the startup world intersect in the 21st century economy? 

We explore these questions and more in our latest episode of the TechSurge Deep Tech VC Podcast, as we sit down with Dr. Andrea Goldsmith, Dean of Princeton University?s School of Engineering and Applied Science and a pioneer in wireless communication. Dr. Goldsmith shares insights from her groundbreaking research in multi-antenna systems, the evolution of wireless networks, and the future of cellular technology. We explore her journey as a successful entrepreneur behind Quantenna and Plume WiFi, and her current leadership role as Dean working to build a vibrant engineering and startup ecosystem around Princeton. Dr. Goldsmith also shares her thoughts on the future of Intel, the strategic choices that lie ahead, and its important role within the U.S. tech economy, as well as the broader geopolitical landscape.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe now and leave a review to help us grow! Join our newsletter for exclusive insights and upcoming TechSurge Live Summits at techsurgepodcast.com.

Links:

Check out our video episodes on YouTube

Follow Celesta Capital on LinkedIn and X

Learn more about Dr. Goldsmith?s pioneering research at Princeton: https://ece.princeton.edu/people/andrea-goldsmith

Discover Intel's latest innovations: https://www.intel.com/

Explore how Plume WiFi is redefining smart home connectivity: https://www.plume.com/ 

See how Medtronic is shaping the future of healthcare innovation: https://www.medtronic.com/

Experience the future of autonomous mobility with Zoox: https://zoox.com/

In this episode, host Michael Marks dives into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Michael is joined by Dr. Alex Sardiña of WhiteRabbit.ai and Kalyan Sivasilam of 5C Network, two early adopters bringing AI to medicine through sharply contrasting market models in the U.S. and India, respectively. The discussion unpacks how AI is revolutionizing diagnostics, helping to address labor shortages, and improving patient experiences. Learn about breakthroughs in cancer detection, radiology efficiency, regulatory challenges, and the global potential of AI-driven solutions in medicine.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Healthcare

02:01 AI Applications in Cancer Detection

04:56 Addressing Radiologist Shortages with AI

07:47 The Reality of AI in Medical Imaging

12:06 Data Acquisition and Its Challenges

16:25 The Future of Radiologists in an AI World

22:00 Improving Accuracy in Medical Imaging with AI

23:25 AI in Diagnostic Imaging

25:18 Building vs. Partnering in AI Healthcare

29:40 Navigating Regulatory Environments

34:23 The Role of Insurance in AI Adoption

39:39 Overcoming Hurdles for AI Acceptance

43:56 Competition and Innovation in AI

Links

https://www.5cnetwork.com/

https://www.whiterabbit.ai/

Keywords

AI, healthcare, medical imaging, cancer detection, radiology, diagnostics, technology, healthcare investment, patient care, data acquisition, AI, healthcare, diagnostic imaging, regulatory environment, insurance, competition, innovation, technology, partnerships, patient care

Host Sriram Viswanathan sits down with Qualcomm Chairman Mark McLaughlin, the former CEO of Palo Alto Networks and Verisign and a trailblazer in technology and cybersecurity. Mark shares his remarkable transition from West Point to the heights of the tech industry, drawing on the many powerful leadership lessons developed throughout his career. Mark shares advice on balancing family priorities and career choices, offering a deeply human perspective on leadership told through his unique experience of stepping down from Palo Alto Networks at the height of his prime as CEO. The discussion touches on the shifting terrain of cybersecurity, the growing influence of AI, and the complexities of board leadership during periods of CEO transition. This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone looking to navigate a c-suite career in tech.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark McLaughlin

01:53 Mark's Journey from Military to Technology

06:13 The Evolution of Cybersecurity and Mark's Insights

12:02 The Five T's of Business Success

17:54 Leadership Lessons from West Point

24:11 Transitioning from CEO to Family Life

30:01 Board Dynamics and Leadership Transitions

36:12 The Intersection of AI and Cybersecurity

41:59 Personal Philosophy and Leadership Inspiration

Links

Qualcomm

Snowflake

Rubrik

Snorkel

Palo Alto Networks

Keywords

Mark McLaughlin, cybersecurity, technology, leadership, AI, venture capital, family, business success, board dynamics, personal philosophy

Host Sriram Viswanathan speaks with Andy Lee and Anand Chandrasekaran from Crescendo AI about the transformative impact of AI on the customer service and call center industry. The conversation covers Crescendo's unique approach to integrating AI in business process outsourcing, the dynamics of the sector, and the potential future of human-AI collaboration. Discover how AI is poised to disrupt and enhance the BPO industry, and why Crescendo AI is at the forefront of this technological revolution.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Customer Service

02:48 Dynamics of the Contact Center Industry

06:09 Crescendo AI: Founders and Vision

08:58 AI's Impact on Customer Interactions

11:54 Technical Architecture of Crescendo AI

15:06 Market Strategy and Customer Experience

17:56 Scaling and Growth of Crescendo AI

21:03 Future of AI in Customer Service

24:00 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Links

https://crescendo.ai/

https://www.alorica.com/

https://www.generalcatalyst.com/

Join host Michael Marks as he discusses the transformative potential of technology in the construction industry with leaders from three innovative companies: Ash Bhardwaj, CEO and co-founder of Onx Homes; Trevor Schick, CEO of Slate.ai; and Camilo Restrepo, CEO of Biomason. The conversation delves into the challenges of disrupting the construction sector, the roles of AI and data in improving productivity, and novel approaches to sustainability and affordability in home building. Explore the future of construction technology and the strides these companies are making towards resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly construction solutions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Construction Technology Challenges

02:59 Innovative Approaches in Home Building

05:49 Data Utilization and AI in Construction

08:46 Sustainability in Construction Materials

11:57 Biomason's Unique Approach to Cement

14:56 Sustainability and Resilience in Home Building

18:06 Addressing Housing Affordability

22:43 Understanding Home Upkeep Costs

27:04 Innovative Building Practices for Resilience

28:12 Real Estate Insights and Affordability

31:37 Marketing Innovative Construction Solutions

37:56 The Future of Technology in Construction

?

?Keywords

construction technology, home building, AI in construction, sustainability, carbon footprint, housing affordability, innovative materials, data utilization, construction industry challenges, emerging technologies, home building, construction innovation, affordability, insurance savings, energy efficiency, resilient homes, marketing strategies, technology in construction, generative AI, sustainable materials

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Links

https://www.onxhomes.com/

https://slate.ai/

https://biomason.com/

In this episode of TechSurge: The Deep Tech Podcast, host Nicholas Brathwaite of Celesta Capital speaks with Christian Mitchell, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Northwestern Mutual, about the profound digital transformation happening in the financial services and insurance sectors. The discussion covers how legacy systems are being modernized, the role of AI in enhancing underwriting and customer experiences, and the increasing importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding sensitive data. 

Christian also shares insights on the evolution of FinTech startups and Northwestern Mutual?s approach to investing in and partnering with innovative tech companies, providing a deep dive into how technology is reshaping long-established industries while balancing innovation with regulatory and customer needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tech Surge and Industry Transformation

02:46 Legacy Technology vs. Digital Transformation in Financial Services

05:55 The Evolution of FinTech: From 1.0 to Current Trends

09:08 Leveraging Startups and Deep Tech for Innovation

11:58 Navigating Challenges in Digital Transformation

15:06 Talent Acquisition and Company Culture in Tech

18:01 The Role of the Innovation Lab in Driving Change

20:54 AI's Impact on Business Operations and Customer Experience

24:02 Addressing Privacy, Bias, and Ethical AI Implementation

26:58 Data Management Strategies: Cloud vs. On-Premise 

29:47 Cybersecurity as a Collective Responsibility

Links

https://www.northwesternmutual.com/

https://fintechbreakthrough.com/2022-winners

In this episode, we explore the future of mobility and AI with Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox, a leading developer of autonomous robotaxis and an Amazon company. Joining Celesta Capital?s founding partner Sriram Viswanathan, Aicha shares her journey from Senegal to Silicon Valley, where she led groundbreaking innovations at Intel before taking the helm at Zoox. 

Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities in autonomous transportation, the evolving role of AI in various industries, and the critical importance of safety, customer experience, and scaling in the robotaxi space. 

Tune in for insights on the future of transportation and the transformative potential of AI in shaping our daily lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aicha Evans and Zoox

02:02 Aicha's Journey from Senegal to Silicon Valley

05:47 Pioneering Wireless Technology at Intel

10:57 Intel's Challenges and the Evolution of AI

13:47 The Role of AI in Technology Companies

18:08 The Future of AI and Human Judgment

25:01 The Robotaxi Revolution and Zoox's Vision

30:06 Differentiating Zoox in the Robotaxi Market

37:01 Technology Behind Zoox's Robotaxi

44:01 Regulatory Challenges and Future Prospects

51:06 Zoox's Integration with Amazon and Future Milestones

Links

https://zoox.com/

Will AI will take away all of our jobs? Is technology eroding privacy? Is the pace of technology advancement too fast? 

We address these questions and more topics around global science and technology policy with Rob Atkinson, founder and president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. Speaking with Celesta Capital founding partner Nic Brathwaite, Rob dives into the intersection of technology, innovation, and public policy, covering topics such as ethical AI, the role of China in the global innovation race, and the realities facing smaller economies in blossoming into tech hubs. Rob shares his insights on innovation economics, government policy, and the critical role of entrepreneurs in shaping the future of tech.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to ITIF and Rob Atkinson

03:07 The Importance of Innovation in Economic Growth

05:59 Challenges for Smaller Economies in Innovation

09:09 Core Pillars of a Strong Innovation Economy

11:56 India's Potential in the Global Innovation Landscape

15:10 AI Development: Balancing Speed and Safety

18:00 Debunking Myths About Technology and Jobs

21:10 The Global Tech Landscape: US vs. China

24:02 Canada's Innovation Challenges and Opportunities

26:45 Building a Strong Innovation Ecosystem

30:07 The Role of Intellectual Property in Innovation

Links

https://itif.org/

https://itif.org/publications/2024/05/07/technology-fears-and-scapegoats/

https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262537100/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300168993/

Fred Thiel, Chairman and CEO of MARA Holdings, dives us into the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency mining. Fred discusses the technological advancements in Bitcoin mining, including significant improvements in energy efficiency, and provides insights into the future of Bitcoin, predicting substantial growth in its value and its linkages with AI inference data centers. He also explains the relationship between Bitcoin and global economic factors, the potential for regulatory changes, and the evolving role of cryptocurrencies in both developed and developing markets, highlighting Bitcoin?s growing role as a store of value and a driver of financial sovereignty in the digital age.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Understanding Bitcoin Mining and the Bitcoin Network

11:05 The State of the Blockchain and Crypto Industry Today

18:28 Bitcoin as a Store of Value and Inflation Hedge

24:51 Bitcoin's Role in the Developed and Undeveloped World

30:26 Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies: Financial Survival and Self-Sovereignty

33:17 Bitcoin Mining: Utilizing Excess Energy and Playing a Crucial Role

47:55 Bitcoin and AI: Intersecting as a Source of Truth and Power-Hungry Systems

51:43 Marathon: Building Symbiotic Relationships with AI Operators and Supplying Infrastructure

54:01 The Political Landscape: Republicans More Supportive, Democrats Showing Some Softening

59:07 Bitcoin's Price Predictions: Over $10 Million by 2034 and North of $5-7 Million in 10 Years

?

LINKS

https://www.mara.com/

https://auradine.com/

https://unchainedcrypto.com/the-bitcoin-genesis-block-was-mined-15-years-ago-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-significant/

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-price-prediction-2024/

Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra discusses his journey in the semiconductor industry and the growing strategic importance of the memory industry in the age of AI. He highlights innovation in high bandwidth memory (HBM), which enables faster data access and lower power consumption. Sanjay also discusses Micron?s plans to build new U.S. semiconductor factories and the role of the CHIPS Act in bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S. He shares his insights on the resurgence of hardware innovation and what it takes to drive technological leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

08:10 The Resurgence of the Semiconductor Industry

17:34 The Importance of High Bandwidth Memory

23:13 Bridging the Cost Gap: The Role of the CHIPS Act

27:57 Investing in Workforce Development

31:01 Building New Fabs to Meet the Growing Demand

Links

https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/microns-memory-chip-manufacturing-facility-officially-begins/277-7caa484a-c16f-4ea2-aa42-cbce86fae0c3

https://www.reuters.com/technology/micron-set-get-6-billion-chip-grants-us-bloomberg-reports-2024-04-17/

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/04/technology/micron-chip-clay-syracuse.html

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/14/ai-boom-to-keep-supply-of-high-end-memory-chips-tight-through-2024.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5OY7D_JfoY&t=1s

Former CEO of PepsiCo and New York Times bestselling author Indra Nooyi joins host Michael Marks for a wide-ranging conversation to share her insights on the growth of big tech companies, the impact of AI, CEO-board relationships, and much more.

Indra currently serves on the boards of Amazon, Phillips, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the National Gallery of Art, and is a Dean?s Advisory Council Member at MIT School of Engineering. Her New York Times bestselling memoir My Life In Full offers insight and a call-to-action from one of the world?s most-admired business leaders on how our society can blend work and family ? and advance women ? in the 21st century. She is widely considered to be one of the world?s top CEOs for her leadership at global giant PepsiCo over 12 years.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and State of the Markets

02:47 The Disruption of Technology Companies and the Role of AI

12:55 The Importance of Board Governance and CEO Succession Planning

20:32 Supporting Working Families and Advancing Women in Business

30:26 Navigating Geopolitical Challenges in a Global Economy

36:17 India's Potential and the Need for Disciplined Democracy

Links

https://www.amazon.com/My-Life-Full-Family-Future/dp/0593421329

https://www.linkedin.com/in/indranooyi/

Driven both by surging demand and rapid technology advancements, an emerging area of health innovation called ?bioconvergence? is driving improvements in human health and sustained interest from investors. This episode will explore these new applications merging engineered technologies with scientific disciplines, including in diagnostics, therapeutics, and elsewhere.

Nobel Laureate Dr. Jim Rothman, Dr. Melanie Mathieu of Prellis Biologics, and Daniel Dornbusch of Excision join host Michael Marks for an in-depth discussion covering advancements in CRISPR technology, the role of AI in drug discovery, the future of personalized medicine, and much more.

Legendary technology founder and venture capital investor Vinod Khosla joins host Michael Marks for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of Artificial Intelligence, major tech cycles, and much more. Vinod shares his predictions for the next 25 years of technology advancement and how we should be assessing the risks and benefits as the adoption of AI continues to accelerate. He shares his views on founder friendly and why "hypocritical politeness" is so common in Silicon Valley. Vinod co-founded Sun Microsystems and helped create several technology companies before founding Khosla Ventures in 2004. The firm has since invested in countless game-changing technology companies including OpenAI, Doordash, Impossible Foods, Rubrik, and others.  

The TechSurge Podcast explores topics at the intersection of emerging tech, market forces, and entrepreneurial discovery. Hear directly from Silicon Valley leaders, the next generation of daring founders, and other brilliant minds shaping the future of deep tech. Episodes releasing every two weeks.